Illuminated display means



Jan. 17, 1967 A. BODKINS 3,298,172

ILLUMINATED DISPLAY MEANS Filed Dec. 51, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 i FIG. I

INVENTOR.

- gazwrfimzm ATTORNEYS Jan. 17, 1967 A. BQDKINS 3,

ILLUMINATED DISPLAY MEANS Filed Dec. 51, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 led 23\U/ZZ 23 FIG. 5

IN l/E N TOR ATTORNEYS Jan. 17, 1967 A. 1. BODKINS ILLUMINATED DISPLAYMEANS 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 31, 1964 FIG. 8

ATTORN EYS Jan. 17, 1967 A. l. BODKINS 3,293,172

ILLUMINATED DISPLAY MEANS Filed Dec. 31, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS Jan. 17, 1967 A. BODKINS ILLUMINATED DISPLAY MEANS 5Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 31, 1964 INVENTOR. dig/49. 80%;,

ATTORNEYS United States Patent Office 3,298,172 Patented Jan. 17, 19673,298,172 ILLUMINATED DISPLAY MEANS Arthur I. Bodkins, 69 Locust St.,Winthrop, Mass. 02152 Filed Dec. 31, 1964, Ser. No. 422,849 18 Claims.(Cl. 5850) The present invention relates to a display means and moreparticularly to a display having dynamic chromatic effects.

The present invention provides means for displaying signs, messages andtime utilizing color changes and other dynamic indicia in a novel andunique construction. The present invention is particularly adapted foruse in connection with advertising flash signs and display clocks.

Thus, it is a particular object of this invention to provide a sign orclock for display purposes which has a light transmitting, preferablytranslucent, face. Dynamically changing segments of contrastingchromatic light are projected through the face for illustrating,indicating or emphasizing particular messages or time. The invention maybe embodied in a clock to indicate chromatically the minutes past thehour or the hour or both. In a simple embodiment of this invention, asembodied in a clock, the hour is chromatically displayed, but, theminutes past the hour are not. In such an embodiment the hour may beindicated by conventional means by an hour hand moving over thetranslucent face of the clock. The minutes past the hour are indicatedby a continuously growing pieshaped segment with a fixed edge of thesegment aligned with 12 oclock and an advancing edge indicating theminute of the hour. This pie-shaped segment may be formed of anybrilliant color desired which is illuminated from the back of the clockthrough the translucent face. The balance of the clock face is alsoilluminated but in chromatic contrast to the pie-shaped segment. As theminutes of the hour advance, the pie-shaped segment grows larger andlarger until the minute hand reaches 12 oclock at the end of the hour.At this point the entire clock face is illuminated in the color of theoriginal segment. During the sequential hour a new segment may be formedof a still different contrasting color. This process may be continuedthroughout the day with a diflerent color for each hour, or may bevaried from one col-or to a second color only, depending upon thespecific embodiment utilized.

The present invention also contemplates means for chromaticallyindicating the minutes past the hour in a clock arrangement. In such anembodiment a clock mechanism is provided with a conventionally actuatedhour hand. The face of the clock over which the hand travels istranslucent. Behind this face there is provided a thin bafiie meansaligned with the 12 oclock radius of the clock. A movable baffie isactuated by the minute hand mechanism to rotate about the axial centerof the clock face. A translucent continuous strip of material segmentedinto successively contrasting chromatic portions is arranged behind thetranslucent face. Light means are also positioned behind the clock faceto project light rays through the translucent strip on both sides of themoving bafiies and onto the rear surface of the clock face. Means areprovided to move the translucent strip longitudinally so that successivechromatic portions pass around the clock face on the rear side of it.The lines defining one chromatically contrasting portion from another ofthe strip are arranged to move in synchronism with the movable baffie sothat the light passing through this one portion of the strip will fallon one side of the movable baflle and light passing through an adjacentportion of the moving strip will project onto the other side of themovable baffle. Thus there is provided an illuminated clock with a facehaving a growing pie-shaped segment which enlarges in synchronism withthe advancement of the minute hand.

This invention also contemplates a structure such as set forth aboveexcept for modifications which permit color changes once a minute. Inthis construction the color variations are attained by synchronizing themovement of the elongated strip and the movable baffle with a secondhand instead of a minute hand. In this arrangement both the minute andhour hands may be conventionally arranged and actuated.

In another embodiment of this invention, an annular ring concentricallyarranged about the clock face is segmented in twelve portionscorresponding to each numeral of the clock face. The particular hour isillustrated in a color by illuminating the ring from 12 oclock to theparticular hour in a color contrasting with the color of the balance ofthe ring. In another form numerals indicating the hour may be arrangedabout the clock with the numeral being sequentially illuminated toindicate the particular hour.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide a display signin which various color sweeps are adapted to move across a translucentor transparent display sign face to dynamically form or illuminate aparticular message. In such an arrangement messages imprinted in varyingcolors on the face of the sign will react with the color sweep dependingupon the nature of the colors utilized.

In a preferred embodiment of this invention a display mechanism isutilized in combination with a clock. The clock itself consistsessentially of a tranlsucent clock face behind which is located a lightsource. This light source may preferably comprise one or morefluorescent tubes arranged circumferentially about the clock face.Positioned behind the clock face and light source is a mirror whichreinforces the fluorescent light rays passing through the clock face. Acontinuous strip of light transmitting film or linked panels for largerunits having successive segments of contrasting colors is positionedbehind the clock face. Each of these segments preferably should have alength equal substantially to the circumference of the clock face. Thiscontinuous strip lies partially outside -and partially within the ringof fluorescent tubes with the portion within forming a loop which isguided close to the inner circumference of this fluorescent ring so thatlight, from the fluorescent ring will pass inwardly through the loop tobe reflected through the clock face. Means are provided for advancingthe loop continuously in clockwise direction so that the light will passthrough successive segments of the strip as it is moved.

Also provided is a battle which is mounted for rotation about the clockaxis immediately behind the clock face. This baffle moves in synchronismwith the line of demarcation between successive segments of thecontinuous strip. Thus, as the bafiie rotates once each time period, itwill physically separate one color created by the light shining throughone segment from the other color in the adjacent segment. A secondbafiie preferably is provided in alignment with 12 oclock which acts asa permanently located bafile coincident with the point of origination ofthe changing color on the face of the clock. These baflies function toclearly define one color segment from another of the clock face. Thetime period for cycling each segment of the strip and the movable baffleabout the clock axis is preferably one minute so that the changing colorsegment on the clock face acts as a second hand. If desired conventionalminute and hour hands may be provided.

Other modifications of this invention as well as objects and advantageswill be more clearly understood when considered in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary erspective view of a preferred FIG. 7 is a planelevational view of the modification I of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary perspective partially cross sectional view ofthe embodiment shown in FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary perspective of a modification of the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 1; 2 FIG. 10 is a detailed fragmentary perspectiveof elements shown in FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective fragmentary view of a modiiication of elementsshownin FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged exploded view of elements shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary perspective view of another modification of thepresent invention.

The preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises adisplay having a clock mechanism in which the clock face changes coloronce a minute. It should be understood, however, that this preferredembodiment may be modified so that the clock face will change colorsover other periods of time. In this preferred embodiment, a case 1 isshaped and arranged to contain a clock mechanism. This case 1 ispositioned above a second case 2 which forms a magazine for a movingtape. A clock motor 4 is positioned at the rear of the case 1. Thismotor 4 may be of conventional design and is provided with an outputshaft 5 adapted to rotate a minute, hour and, if desired, a second hand.An hour hand 6 is connected to the shaft 5 of the motor 4 and rotatesonce every twenty-four hours. The minute hand 7 is connected to acoaxial shaft 5 and is adapted to rotate once an hour. A third shaft 5"is also coaxial with shafts 5 and 5' and is arranged to rotate once aminute. Shaft 5" surrounds shafts 5 and 5'. These coaxial shafts 5, 5'and '5" extends through and intermediate plate 8 that is normal to theshafts 5, 5 and 5". This plate 8 preferably has a mirrored front surfaceand is positioned in parallel alignment with a translucent cover or face9 on the forward side of the clock. The shafts 5, 5 and 5" preferablyextend through both the plate 8 and cover 9 and support the hands 6, 7and 12'on the outer side of the cover or face 9. If desired, the secondhand may be eliminated or one or more of the hands positioned on theinner surface of face 9 by suitable modification. The plate 8 and cover9 are connected together by an annular collar 10 which is formed of atransparent plastic material. A baffle 11 is connected to shaft 5" androtates with it. The baflie 11 is connected along its inner edge to theshaft 5" with its outer edge brushing in the inner surface of theannular collar 10. The forward edge of the baflie 11 fits in closeadjacency to the rear surface of the translucent cover or face 9 whilethe rear edge of the baflie 11 fits closely to the mirrored surface ofplate 8. Plate 8 is formed with a rectangular aperture 15 (FIG. 4) thevertical center axis of which is aligned with 12 oclock. This aperture15 is symmetrically positioned immediately above the shafts 5, 5' and5". A rotatable bafiie 16 is mounted in this aperture 15 and is adaptedto be rotated by engagement with baflle 11 as b-afiie 11 is carriedaround on rotation of shaft 5". Baffle 16 comprises four panels 16a,16b, 16c and 16d. Each panel is positioned at right angles to theadjacent panels and each is connected along a vertical center axis 17coincident with the center axis of the aperture 15. The baffle 16 ismounted for rotation in the aperture 15. This baflie 16 is preferablymounted with an annular spring 20 coaxial with the shaft 17 andpositioned within a journal 21 in the plate 8. The spring 20 at theupper end of the axis 17 is designed to exert a downwardly directedforce on the baffle 16. The baflie panels are each preferably providedwith a wedge 22 flared upwardly from the bottom edgeof the panel. Thesewedges are adapted to successively engage the rotating baflie 11 eachtime that the lbaffle 11 rotates past 12 oclock. Spring stops 23 at theside edge of each panel 16a to 16d are adapted to engage the side edgesof the aperture 15 and spring tension the baffle 16 in the positionillustrated in FIG. 5 until the next rotation of the baffle 11. Thebaffle 11 is moved with sufficient force to overcome the resistance ofspring 23 and cause the baffle 16 to rotate 90 degrees.

A light source preferably in the form of an annular fluorescent tube 3is positioned between the collar 10 and the outer annular wall 31 of thecasing 1. This annular fluorescent tube is suitably wired and is adaptedto illumi mate the interior of the clock through the collar 10. Lightrays passing through the collar 10 are directed pri-. marily to andthrough the cover or face 9 by use of the mirrored surface on plate 8. Amoving web or strip 35 is formed of a continuous length of transparentor translucent film material. This endless web is formed with successivesegments of contrasting color 35a and 35b defined from each other byline 36. Any number of successive segments of colors may be used but forillustrative purposes, six different successive color segments may beused for an arrangement in which the color 3 of the clock face willchange once a minute with the series of color changes repeating everysix minutes. The endless web 35 has its major portion 37 positionedwithin casing 2 (FIG. 1) and is supported for continuous movement in andout of the casing 2 on suitably arranged rollers 38, preferablypositioned at each end of the casing 2 and providing means by which theendless web 35 may be stored in a relatively compact fashion byextending segments of the web back and forth between parallel rolls. Theweb 35 extends out of the casing 2 in the direction of arrow A shown inFIG. 2.

. on the other side of the 12 oclock position is carried by idlersprocket 43 around one end of light source 30. Suitable means (notshown) which may comprise an annular collar on the outer side of thelight source 30 may be provided to support the portion of web 35 outsidethe light source. The web 35 extends down to sprocket 46 and into themagazine as illustrated in FIG. 2. The endless web 35 is driven with itsinnermost portion moving in a clockwise direction as indicated by arrowB by means of a suitable drive source such as schematically illustratedin FIG. 2. In this arrangement, the power source 50, which may be aportion of the clock-motor mechanism, is connected by a suitable gearreduction train 51 to the shafts 52 and 53. Shafts 52 and 53 rotate in aclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 2. Shaft 52 carrying sprocket 40moves the endless-web 35 from the magazine and shaft 53 carryingsprocket 46 in a takeup operation.

It will be noted that the outer portion of the web 35 moves in a counterclockwise direction while the inner portion moves in .a clockwisedirection. Thus, if desired, the transparent member 55 may be mounted onthe clock casing 1 and may extend through it with the inner side of themember 55 facing the outer portions of the web 35. Thus, as web 35 isformed of a film of successively contrasting colors, these colors willmove counterclockwise on the outer portion. As a result a moving lightwill shine through the member 55 in a different color than in the clockface. In addition, the clock face will have a growing pie-shaped segmentwhich moves from 12 oclock in a clockwise direction in synchronism withthe second hand mechanism. The member 55 on the other hand will changecolors in a counterclockwise direction.

Lines 36 define successive segments 35a, 35b of the endless web 35. Thisweb 35 moves in synchronism with the second hand mechanism of the clockmechanism so that a line 36 reaches the 12 oclock position of the clockface at the same instant as the second hand. Bafiie 11 is keyed toradially align with successive lines 36 each time it reaches the 12oclock position. The color projected onto cover 9 from baffie 16 to thetrailing surface of the moving baflie 11, as it moves in a clockwisedirection, thus will be uniform in color.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, there is illustrated a furthermodification of the present invention which may be useful in largerdisplays or mechanisms. In this arrangement, the case 100 is providedwith a face 101 having a translucent center portion 102 and an outerportion 103 which may, if desired, be opaque and which may beartransparent or translucent numerals of the clock face. An intermediatewall 104 parallel to the rear wall 105 and the face 101 extends acrossthe entire diameter of the casing 100. This wall 104 preferably has amirrored forward face. Positioned between the wall 104 and face 101 isan annular transparent member 106 which extends from the wall 104preferably to and in close relationship with the inner surface of theface 101. The front member 106 is shown as extending short of the face101 in FIG. 8 for clarity in illustrating other elements. This annularmember 106 is preferably coaxial with the axis of the casing and theshafts generally indicated at 107. A second annular member 108 iscoaxial with and surrounds the annular member 106. This member 108 alsoextends from the intermediate wall 104 to the face 101, but is providedwith a slot at the 12 oclock position parallel to the axis of themember. The light emitting source, preferably an annular fluores centtube 109, is positioned between the members 106 and 108. The lightsource 109 is suitably energized by means not shown. Endless film 111 islooped about and lies in facing relation with the outer surface ofmember 106. This loop extends through the slot 110 of member 108, andextends about the outer surface of the second annular member 108. Theendless web 111 is adapted to move continuously about the annular member106 and the annular member 108. This web is driven in a clockwisedirection as viewed from the face of the clock about the member 108 bymeans of a drive shaft 112. This drive shaft 112 is provided withsprockets that are adapted to engage the chain of slots 113 formed atone side of the web 111. I

The web 111 is divided into a series of successive segments ofcontrasting color. Each segment has a length equal to the outercircumference of annular member 106. By selectively proportioning thevarious components in this clock, two or more segments of differentcolored film may be used. The web 111 is held in close adjacency to theouter surface of the annular member 106 by suitable rollers such asroller 114, journaled between the intermediate wall 104 and a projectingpin or boss or other suitable means (not shown) projecting from theouter surface of the annular member 106. Shaft 112 is driven from asuitable power source such as motor 120 which may also serve as a powersource for the clock hands. In this embodiment, the hour hand may carrya gear 121 connected by a sprocket and chain arrangement 123 to a shaft124 in turn connected by .gear train 125 to the shaft 112. Othersuitable arrangements may also be used.

The shaft assembly 107 preferably comprises three coaxial shaftsincluding an inner shaft 107a, intermediate shaft 107b and outer shaft1070. Inner shaft 107:: preferably carries the hour hand 129. The outershaft 1070 has attached to it a bafiie 132 which extends from theforward surface of the intermediate wall 104 to the inner surface of thetranslucent face 101. Baflie 132 has its outer edge parallel to shaft107 and in brushing relation with the inner surface of annular member106. This baffie 132 moves the second hand shaft 1070.

A second baffle 135 is vertically positioned and is aligned with 12oclock on the clock face. This bafile extends from the shaft assembly107 to the inner surface of annular member 106. The shaft is supportedin guides :and 141 for reciprocal movement between a position within theannular member 106 and a position rearward of the intermediate wall 104.The baffle 135 has a length such that it extends from the intermediatewall 104 to the rear surface of translucent portion of face 101 when itis positioned within the annular member 106. And when it is withdrawnfrom within the annular member 106, it is positioned entirely rearwardlyof the intermediate wall 104. A slot 142 in the intermediate wall isprovided to permit the reciprocating movement of the baffle 135. Thereciprocating movement of the baffle 135 is effected by an actuatingmeans generally designated at 150. This arrangement may comprise asolenoid 151 suitably mounted on the rear wall 105 of the casingconnected by a linkage system 152 to the bafile 135.

In the operation of this embodiment, the minute and hour hands operatein a conventional fashion. The web 111 moves in synchronism with thesecond hand shaft 107c. The defining lines of the tape are synchronizedto move around the annular member 106 in radial alignment with baflie132. Thus, as the baffle 132 reaches 12 oclock position, a new segmentof the color tape begins to move in a clockwise direction about theannular member 106. As the web advances in a clockwise direction aboutthe annular member 106, the portion of the web leaving a facing relationposition with the annular member 106 will be of a color contrasting tothe new segment. Thus, the color of the portion of the web around theannular member 106- will gradually change. The light from the lightsource 109 will shine through the web 111 and the annular member 106.The colored light passing into the center portion of the clock withinthe annular member 106 will be colored, with the color from 12 oclock ina clockwise direction to the position of bafiie 132 being of a colorcontrasting to the remaining color. This color differentiation will showup on the translucent face of the clock as a growing pieshape.

The bafile 132 will rotate within the annular member 106 until bafiie132 approaches a 12 oclock position. When it reaches a 12 oclockposition, it will actuate solenoid 151 by a suitable switch means (notshown) to cause the withdrawal of bafile 135 allowing bafiie 132 to passthe 12- oclock position. When it is past, a time delay means will causesolenoid 151 to reactuate and reposition the baffle 135 within theannular member 106.

Referring to the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 9'12, thereis illustrated an arrangement which is particularly useful for verylarge clocks and displays. In this arrangement, there is provided acasing 200 having a rear wall 201 with a forward surface that ispreferably polished and reflective. The face 202 of the cas-' ing is alight transmitting and preferably translucent member. If desired, thisface 202 may be formed of a center portion 203 of a material havingdifferent light transmitting characteristics than the annular or outerportion 204. Shaft means 210 extends through and preferably normal tothe wall- 201 and the face 202. This shaft means comprises at least apair of coaxial shafts. If two coaxial shafts are used, the inner shafthas an end engaging the hour hand 211 and the other shaft may have anend engaging a minute hand 212. If three coaxial shafts are used, theouter one is rotatable at 60 rotations per minute and may have a secondhand (not shown) attached to its end. The hands 211 and 212 are adaptedto be rotated adjacent to the face 202 by a suitable drive means such asa clock mechanism 214. The shaft supporting the hour band 211 preferablyextends through the minute hand shaft of the shaft means 210. Collar2140f light transmitting material extends between the rear Wall 201and'the face 202. The forward edge of this collar 214 is preferablyaligned with the junction of the annular portion 204 and the centerportion 203 of the clock base. This collar 214 defines the annularportion 215 within the casing. This annular portion 215 is preferablydivided into a forward and rear annular cornpartment by the continuousannular member 216. The member 216 may be formed of a light transmittingmaterial of a color different from the color of the light transmittingmaterial forming the annular member 214. A light generating means suchas an annular fluorescent light 217 is positioned in the rearmostsection of the member 215. Suitable means are provided to support andactuate this light means 217. Light from the light emitting means 217projects through the members 216 and A baffle 220 is supported withinthe center portion of the casing with one edge adjacent to the rear wall201, another edge adjacent to the inner surface of the face 202, a thirdedge brushing against the inner surface of the collar 214, and thefourth edge integrally connected to the shaft 'of the shaft means 210.Thebaflie 220 is preferably formed of a series of slats best illustratedin FIG. 10. These slats 223 are connected together at one end by acontinuous arm 224 which in turn is connected to the outermost shaft ofthe shaft means 210 which in one embodiment drives the minute hand 212and in another rotates as a second hand. Fixed baflie 228 is positionedat the 12 oclock position of the clock. This fixed baflie comprises aseries of slats 229 each connected tog'ether by an elongated'member 230which is positioned on the side of the clock casing opposite to the sideat which the arm 224 is connected. Slats 229 of baflie 228 are adaptedto be aligned with the spaces between the slats 223 of baflle 220 asbafile 220 is rotated by shaft means 210 past the 12 oclock position.

Synchronized with movement of the minute hand 212 and the shaft of the'shaft means 210, which drives it,

is an endless web 240 of successive segments of contrasting lighttransmitting characteristics. The web may take the form of aconventional plastic film having segments preferably equal to thecircumference of collar 214 and with each segment having lighttransmitting characteristics different from those of adjacent segments.This film is driven by'a sprocket drive 241 suitably positioned withinthe casing and engaging the web 240. The sprocket 241 may be connectedto the motor means 214' by a suitable gear and shaft linkage generallyindicated at 243. The film' may be provided with a storage sectionequivalent to that illustrated in FIG. 1 so that continuously changingsegments may be introduced and rotated about the shaft means 210 insynchronism with the baffle 220. The portion of the film within thecasing 200 may be positioned between the fluorescent tubes 217 and theouter surface ofthe collar 214 and between the rear wall 201 and themember'216 The web may also be made of a series of successive linksillustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12. This construction is particularly usefulfor very large signs. In this arrangement, a series of links 260 ofsuitable light transmitting materials may be linked together by pins 261extending through'tabs 263 of one link int-o pivoting engagement with atongue 264 of an adjacent link.

In the arrangement of FIG. 10, a light transmitting face or screen 300is formed preferably of a translucent plastic on which opaque or coloredletters 301 may be printed or cut. Disposed behind this sign and withina casing of suitable design is an endless film or Web 290. This film issuitably supported on a plurality of sprocket wheels 291 with onesprocket wheel 201a connected to, a drive shaft 292 in turn connectedthrough a shaft 293 to a motor 294. The film 290 extends at least alonga portion of one edge of the sign immediately behind the translucentlight transmitting face 300 and in a plane angular and preferably normalto the plane of the face 300. A light source preferably formed offluorescent lights 302 is positioned immediately below the portion 301and is arranged to project light rays upwardly through the portion 301onto the rear surface of the translucent member 300. The film 290 isformed with a plurality of successive segments 305 of contrasting colorswith these segments defined from one another by lines 306. The length ofeach segment may be varied but preferably should comprise at least thelength of the member 300 although in certain embodiments a lengthshorter than the length of the member 300 may be desirable. Thus, thelight emitted from the fluorescent light 302 and directed onto member300 changes color with the movement of the web or film 290. A pluralityof baffles 310 are mounted on and between opposite endless conveyorchains 311 and 312. These chains are mounted on and carried by pairs ofsprockets 313 and 314 in turn mounted respectively on shafts 315 and293.

Since shaft 293 is a driven shaft, it will in turn rotate the sprockets313 and 314 and the endless chains 311 and 312. These chains will inturn carry the bafiies 310 behind the wall 300. The baflles 310 arepositioned apart a distance equal to the distance between the lines 306and are adjusted in relation to the film 290 so that they are verticallyaligned with dividing lines 306 as they move behind the face 300 andover the light source 306.

What is claimed is:

1. A display clock comprising a casing having light transmitting face,at least one of an hour hand and a minute hand, means supporting saidhands for rotation about a common axis over a surface of said face,means for rotating said-hands about said axis with said hour hand makinga complete revolution in an hour and said minute hand making a completerevolution in a minute, a cylindrical member of light transmittingmaterial coaxial with said axis and positioned rearward of said facewith one end of said cylinder terminating close .to the inner surface ofsaid face, an elongated endless light transmitting web having aplurality of successive segments of contrasting colors with saidsegments each having a length equal to the outer circumference of saidcylindrical member and with a portion of said web looped about saidcylindrical member, means for moving said Web longitudinally about saidcylindrical member in a clockwise direction as viewed from said facewhereby said segments will successively encircle said cylindricalmember, light generating means positioned outside of and substantiallyencircling said portion of said web whereby light may be transmittedthrough said portion and said cylindrical member, a pair of baflle meansdisposed within said cylindrical member and lying in planes passingthrough said axis, means for rotating one of said baflle means aboutsaid axis in synchronism with one of said hands, means supporting theother of said batfie means in a position coincident with twelve oclock,and means for permitting the passage of one baffle means past the otheras said one baffie means moves past twelve oclock.

2. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said other baffle meanscomprises four wings connected together at a common edge and lying inplanes normal to the adjacent wings, means mounting said other bafflemeans for rotation on an axis coincident with said common edge andradially aligned with said twelve oclock position and lying in a planeno further forward then the plane in which the rearward edge of said onebaffle means moves. 3. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein saidother bafile means comprises a flat member having a width at leastsubstantially the radius of said cylindrical member, means forsupporting said flat member for reciprocal movement in the plane inwhich said fiat member lies, means for reciprocating said flat memberbetween a position within said cylindrical member extending radiallyfrom said axis in a plane coincident with the twelve oclock position anda position outside of said cylindrical member.

4. A device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said baffle means eachcomprise slotted members with the slots in one bafile means parallel andrelatively displaced from slots in the other bafile means whereby saidother bafile means may pass through said one bafile means as said otherbafiie means is carried past twelve oclock.

5. A display mechanism comprising a casing having a light transmittingface, a continuous substantially planar light transmitting web havingsuccessive segments of contrasting color means supporting said webbehind and with the plane of said web arranged to intersect and beangular to said face for movement about a center axis and in a directionlongitudinal of said web, means for moving said web in said direction,and means for transmitting light through said web towards said axis andonto the rear surface of said face.

6. A display mechanism comprising a casing having a light transmittingface, a continuous light transmitting web having successive segments ofdifferent light transmission qualities, means supporting a portion ofsaid web behind said face for movement about a center axis arranged atan angle to said face in a direction longitudinal of said web :and withsaid support means constructed and adapted so that said portion of saidweb substantially forms a cylindrical light transmitting means, meansfor moving said web, and light generating means for generating lightthrough said portion of said web towards said central axis and onto therear portion of said face.

7. A display mechanism as set forth in claim 6 wherein said portionforming a cylindrical light transmitting means has a circumference equalto at least the length of one of said segments.

8. A display as set forth in claim 7 wherein said light generating meansis positioned external of and substantially surrounding said cylindricallight transmitting means and is adapted to generate light therethrough.

9. A display mechanism comprising a casing having a light transmittingface,

a continuous light transmitting web having successive segments ofdifferent light transmission qualities,

means supporting a portion of said web behind said face for movementabout a center axis in a direction longitudinal of said web and withsaid support means constructed and adapted so that said portion of saidweb substantially forms a cylindrical light transmitting means having acircumference equal to at least the length of one of said segments,

means for moving said web,

light generating means for generating light through said portion of saidweb and onto the rear portion of said face with said light generatingmeans positoned external of said cylindrical light transmitting meansand adapted to generate light therethrough,

and a baffle disposed within said cylindrical light transmitting means,and means for rotating said braffie about the axis of said cylindricallight transmitting means in synchronism with the movement around saidcylindrical light transmitting means of successive segments.

10. A display as set forth in claim 9 including a clock mechanism havingshaft means coincident with the axis of said cylindrical lighttransmitting means and supporting said baffle for rotation, a secondbaffle positioned at twelve oclock, and means supporting said secondbaflle for movement from a position within said cylindrical means attwelve oclock and a position external of said cylindrical means andmeans for moving said second bafiie between said positions.

11. A display clock comprising a clock mechanism having rotatable shaftmeans including a pair of coaxial shafts with one shaft rotating once aminute and the other once an hour, a casing containing said shafts withsaid casing having a light transmitting face extending angular to saidshaft means at one end thereof, a minute hand and an hour hand connectedto said shaft means and positioned to rotate about said shaft means inclose adjacency to said face, an elongated light transmitting webdivided into a plurality of successive segments of different lighttransmitting characteristics, means supporting said web within said casebehind said face with a portion of said web forming a substantiallycylindrical element having an axis coaxial with said shaft means andwith said cylindrical element having a circumference no greater thansaid portion, light emitting means positioned within said casing toproject light through said cylindrical element onto said clock face,means for moving said web longitudinally and in a direction clockwisewith respect to the front of said face and in synchronism with themovement of said hands. 12. A device as set forth in claim 11 wherein asecond portion of said web continuous with said first portion ispositioned within said casing in an area remote from said lighttransmitting face.

13. A display mechanism comprising a light transmitting face adapted tohave information projected thereon, an endless substantially planar webhaving successive light contrasting segments, means for moving said webin a direction longitudinal of its length and adjacent and with theplane of said web angular to said face, and means for transmitting lightthrough said web onto the rear surface of said face.

14. A display mechanism comprising a light transmitting face adapted tohave information projected thereon,

an endless web having successive light contrasting segments,

means for moving said web in a direction longitudinal of its length andadjacent and angular to said face,

means for transmitting light through said web onto the rear surface ofsaid face, i

bafile means,

means supporting said bafile means for movement in a plane angular toand behind said face and angular to said web,

and means for moving said baflle means in synchronism with said webmovement with one edge of said baflle means aligned with the junction ofadjacent segments.

15. A device as set forth in claim 14 including a sign bearing a messagepositioned behind said face and light means for transmitting saidmessage on said face.

16. A clock mechanism comprising shaft means having a pair of coaxialshafts, means for rotating one shaft once an hour and the other once aminute, a light transmitting clock face positioned angular to its saidshafts, a plurality elongated light transmitting webs each havingsuccessive segments of diiferent light transmitting qualities, each ofsaid Webs having portions substantially circumscribing said shafts in anarea behind said face, and with one of said portions spaced from theother, means for moving said webs in said portions in a clockwisedirection as viewed from said face with one web moving in synchronismwith said one shaft and the other in synchronism with said other shaft,light emitting means for projecting light through each of said portionsonto the rear surface of said face, and means attached to each saidshafts to rotate, with one means moving in alignment with the junctionof adjacent segments as they move through the portion of said one weband the other means moving in alignment with the junction of adjacentsegments as they move through the portion of said other web.

17. A display device comprising a casing having a light transmittingface,

a a cylindrical member of light transmitting material hav-.

ing a central axis positioned rearwardly of said face with one end ofsaid cylindrical member terminating close to the inner surface of saidface,

-- an elongated endless light transmitting web having a plurality ofsuccessive segments of oontnasting colors with said segments each havinga length equal to the outer circumference of said cylindrical member andwith a portion of said web looped about said cylindrical member, 1

means for moving said web longitudinally about said cylindrical memberin a clockwise direction as viewed from said face whereby said segmentswill successively encircle said cylindrical member,

light generating means positioned outside of and substantiallyencircling said portion of said web whereby light may be transmittedthrough said portion and said cylindrical member,

a pair of baflle means disposed within said cylindrical member and lyingin planes passing through said axis,

' means for rotating one of said bafile means about said axis, meanssupporting the other of said baffl'e means substantially along avertical line, i

12 and means for permitting the passage of one baffle means past theother as said one bafiie means moves past said line. 18. A device as setforth in claim 17 wherein said other 5- baflle means comprises fourwings connected together at a common edge and lying in planes normal tothe adjacent wings, a

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,968,987 /1934Block 5850 3,028,482 4/1962 Koehler 24o -1o.1 3,208,174 9/1965 Wrenshall240-101 RICHARD B. WILKINSON, Primary Examiner.

GERALD F. BAKER, Examiner.

1. A DISPLAY CLOCK COMPRISING A CASING HAVING LIGHT TRANSMITTING FACE,AT LEAST ONE OF AN HOUR HAND AND A MINUTE HAND, MEANS SUPPORTING SAIDHANDS FOR ROTATION ABOUT A COMMON AXIS OVER A SURFACE OF SAID FACE,MEANS FOR ROTATING SAID HANDS ABOUT SAID AXIS WITH SAID HOUR HAND MAKINGA COMPLETE REVOLUTION IN AN HOUR AND SAID MINUTE HAND MAKING A COMPLETEREVOLUTION IN A MINUTE, A CYLINDRICAL MEMBER OF LIGHT TRANSMITTINGMATERIAL COAXIAL WITH SAID AXIS AND POSITIONED REARWARD OF SAID FACEWITH ONE END OF SAID CYLINDER TERMINATING CLOSE TO THE INNER SURFACE OFSAID FACE, AN ELONGATED ENDLESS LIGHT TRANSMITTING WEB HAVING APLURALITY OF SUCCESSIVE SEGMENTS OF CONTRASTING COLORS WITH SAIDSEGMENTS EACH HAVING A LENGTH EQUAL TO THE OUTER CIRCUMFERENCE OF SAIDCYLINDRICAL MEMBER AND WITH A PORTION OF SAID WEB LOOPED ABOUT SAIDCYLINDRICAL MEMBER, MEANS FOR MOVING SAID WEB LONGITUDINALLY ABOUT SAIDCYLINDRICAL MEMBER IN A CLOCKWISE DIRECTION AS VIEWED FROM SAID FACEWHEREBY SAID SEGMENTS WILL SUCCESSIVELY ENCIRCLE SAID CYLINDRICALMEMBER, LIGHT GENERATING MEANS POSITIONED OUTSIDE OF AND SUBSTANTIALLYENCIRCLING SAID PORTION OF SAID WEB WHEREBY LIGHT MAY BE TRANSMITTEDTHROUGH SAID PORTION AND SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER, A PAIR OF BAFFLE MEANSDISPOSED WITHIN SAID CYLINDRICAL MEMBER AND LYING IN PLANES PASSINGTHROUGH SAID AXIS, MEANS FOR ROTATING ONE OF SAID BAFFLE MEANS ABOUTSAID AXIS IN SYNCHRONISM WITH ONE OF SAID HANDS, MEANS SUPPORTING THEOTHER OF SAID BAFFLE MEANS IN A POSITION COINCIDENT WITH TWELVEO''CLOCK, AND MEANS FOR PERMITTING THE PASSAGE OF ONE BAFFLE MEANS PASTTHE OTHER AS SAID ONE BAFFLE MEANS MOVES PAST TWELVE O''CLOCK.